Scuba Diving In Thailand: Discover A Different World

Hundreds of fish swimming near an underwater reef system, as captured by a scuba diver
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With a coastline stretching over 3200 km, Thailand has an array of diving sites that make it a dream destination for scuba divers. Thailand offers a variety of water across numerous Islands. The crystal-clear water is home to diverse marine life, from the mighty Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and Leopard Sharks to tiny marine organisms such as seahorses, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, etc. Thailand has diving sites suitable for all levels of diving, ranging from beginner to seasonal divers. But each experience will promise a memorable adventure into the beautiful and unique natural underwater world.

Factors Affecting Scuba Diving

Scuba divers underwater exploring the marine plants and coral reefs while wearing diving gear

Photo: Ashwini Shinde / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Before planning a dive, it is important to make note of factors that can impact the scuba diving experience, such as:

  • Weather Conditions
  • Marine Conservation
  • Underwater Visibility

Suggested Read: Top Must-Visit Spots For Scuba Diving In Phi Phi Island

Levels Of Scuba Diving In Thailand

A boat sailing in a water body with a tall mountain-like island in the background

Photo: Kirandeep Singh Walia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Thailand’s waters provide ideal conditions for diving training for people with varied experiences. Let us look at some.

  • Open Water Divers – Duration 3 to 4 days
  • Advanced Open Water Divers – Duration 2 to 3 days
  • Rescue Divers – Duration 3 to 4 days
  • Dive Masters – More than 4 weeks

Popular Scuba Diving Spots In Thailand

Thailand is surrounded by beautiful water, making it a must-visit for any water lover, especially divers. Check out the top places for scuba diving in Thailand.

1. Koh Similan

An aerial view of a beach famous for scuba diving in Thailand with people enjoying on the beach

Photo: Richard Whitcombe / Shutterstock

If you are someone who wants to explore the best scuba experiences in Thailand, then Similan Island is the place for you. It consists of a group of 11 islands providing the best environment and water conditions for scuba. This part of the Andaman Sea is mostly unexplored and thus makes for a unique experience. Be prepared to witness mighty reef sharks slithering through massive granite boulders. The vibrant and colourful coral reef formation within the water makes the underwater view more special.

Best Spot For Diving: Hin Pusar
Price Of Scuba Diving In Koh Similan: Starts from ₹7800
Depth: The depth of scuba diving in Koh Similan depends on the diving spot. However, it ranges between 5 metres to 40 metres.

Suggested Read: Top Sites For Scuba Diving In Bangkok

2. Phuket

A picture of a ferry in the crystal clear waters of Phuket with the green hill-like island in the background

Photo: GeoTravellers / Wikimedia Commons

Phuket is very popular for its nightlife and shopping sites; however, it is also a perfect destination for scuba diving. Phuket Waters is ideal for divers of all levels ranging from one-time divers to experts. The very famous shark point of Phuket provides the perfect diving spot to witness the graceful cruise of leopard sharks. The mesmerising world underwater in Koh Racha Yai and Dok Mai boasts a beautiful view of yellow tube corals and eels. Many divers love to explore these areas. The King Cruiser Wreck is a very popular diving view near Phuket.

Best Spots For Diving: Shark Point, Koh Dok Mai and Koh Racha Yai
Price Of Scuba Diving In Phuket: Starts from ₹6000
Depth: The average depth of scuba diving in Phuket is 18 metres to 35 metres

3. Koh Samui

A view of a beach from a distance with pine trees in the middle and rocks around the shore

Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons

It is a tropical paradise for scuba divers, with beaches flaunting lush greenery and palm trees. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand, known for its lively waters. The famous spot of Sail Rock is the main attraction for mesmerising marine life, thus giving the divers an amazing view of whale sharks, Barracudas, etc. Koh Samui showcases beautiful and colourful coral reefs and vibrant fishes. This place is an ideal place for relaxation for both divers and non-divers.

Best Spots For Diving: Koh Bida Nai, Hin Pae, Hin Dot, Koh Bida Nok, Koh Ban, and Garang Heng
Price Of Scuba Diving In Koh Samui: Starts from ₹7178
Depth: Upto 40 metres of depth

Suggested Read: The Ultimate List Of The Top Things To Do In Thailand

4. Koh Surin

An evening shot of a beach that is very popular for scuba diving in Thailand with sky's reflection in water

Photo: Shane WP Wongperk / Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for an off-beat and untouched underwater dive experience then Koh Surin is the place to be. This place is not very popular yet and thus holds its natural beauty at its best. This part of the Andaman Sea is home to the Richelieu Rock, which is a horseshoe-shaped reef. This is home to the regal whale sharks and seahorses. Koh Surin is a group of islands that also include the Mu Ko Surin National Park, which works towards protecting and preserving the marine environment.

Best Spots For Diving: Richelieu Rock
Price Of Scuba Diving In Koh Surin: Starts from ₹3000
Depth: The majority of the dive sites have an average dive depth of 30 metres to 40 metres

5. Ko Lipe

A distant view of a beach with clear blue waters hiding behind a tree

Photo: VascoPlanet World Photography / Wikimedia Commons

Koh Lipe is surrounded by the Andaman Sea and is still unexplored. This island provides the best diving experiences, like Phuket and Phi Phi; however, the crowd here is small, thus making it a more peaceful sport. This island is in the southern part of Thailand and is home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. This place is known to have the most beautiful soft corals in Asia. The Tarutao Marine National Park is a part of this island. This place is amazingly beautiful because of its diverse marine world as well as its natural beauty.

Best Spots For Diving: Stonehenge, Koh Yang, Yong Hua Wreck, 8 Mile Rock, and Koh Usen
Price Of Scuba Diving In Ko Lipe: Starts from ₹9000
Depth:The average depth for diving here is 16 metres to 40 metres.

Suggested Read: Beaches In Thailand To Explore For A Scenic Vacation

Best Time For Scuba Diving In Thailand

A beautiful picture of a beach in Thailand with boats parked on the shore on a clear day

Photo: Denis Lintner / Wikimedia Commons

The difference in water conditions makes a different time of the year ideal for diving. October to April is the ideal time for scuba diving in the tranquil waters of the Andaman Sea. However, May to September is ideal for diving in the lively waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

The scuba diving experience in Thailand is bound to make the entire trip memorable. The underwater life of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand makes for a heavenly experience for all visitors. From endless beautiful islands to a list of amazing diving spots, Thailand is a paradise for any diver who is looking forward to exploring the glory of the underwater world. So, plan your next trip to Thailand with TripXL and make the most of all that the place has to offer.

Cover Photo: Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

November to April marks the ideal time for scuba diving in Thailand. The visibility during this time is the clearest, making the experience better with a clear view of marine life and the underwater world. The water temperature also stays within the comfortable range of 28 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Always make sure to research well on the dive shop that provides the best training, equipment, and instructors. It is very important to have proper knowledge of the water and possible risks before the dive.
Diving can be fun but taking proper precautions is mandatory. Make sure the gears and masks fit you well to keep you protected underwater, keep a safe distance from the marine life and have a proper understanding of the risks of each, make sure to not harm any delicate marine life such as corals, and take proper breaks in between dives to maintain good health.
Scuba diving does not necessarily need swimming skills. However, if you are a non-swimmer and unaware of the characteristics of water pressure and current, you would need a proper instructor and guide to go underwater.
To get the best out of the scuba experience you must be completely aware of the visibility underwater. The visibility varies based on locations and weather conditions ranging from 10 metres to 30 metres.

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